Canon PowerShot G1 X Announced

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Canon Rumors Guy

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<strong>London, UK, 9th January 2012</strong> – Canon today introduces the PowerShot G1 X – a revolutionary new compact camera with a large CMOS sensor, designed to produce DSLR levels of image quality and control in a highly portable metal body. Created for professional and serious photographers, the PowerShot G1 X creates a prestigious new category at the top of Canon’s legendary G-series line-up, and redefines the performance achievable from a compact camera.</p>
<p>A high-quality camera in its own right or the perfect complement to a professional DSLR, the PowerShot G1 X combines EOS sensor technology with DIGIC 5 processing power, a new precision Canon lens and extensive manual control – creating the finest compact camera Canon has ever produced. Designed to be highly portable, the PowerShot G1 X features a zoom lens which retracts into a discreet, robust metal body, providing photographers with an unimposing camera that delivers high quality images and superior handling.</p>
<p><!--more--><strong>Professional levels of image quality

</strong>Incorporating Canon-developed technologies and expertise trusted by professionals worldwide, the PowerShot G1 X offers a level of image quality previously only possible with a Canon DSLR. It’s Canon’s first compact camera to feature a large, 4:3 aspect, 14.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor measuring 18.7mm x 14mm – similar in height to the APS-C sensors used within EOS DSLR models. Featuring the same pixel size and structure as the EOS 600D, and a surface area approximately 6.3 times larger than the sensor in the acclaimed PowerShot G12, it provides DSLR image quality in a body small enough to carry anywhere.</p>
<p>The increased sensor size allows photographers to have greater control over the depth of field, with increased potential to creatively and artistically isolate a subject from its background. Improved dynamic range enables users to accurately capture shadows and highlights within the same frame, while the 14.3 Megapixel resolution allows for the output of large-sized prints, or permits images to be cropped for more powerful compositions.</p>
<p>The PowerShot G1 X also features a range of benefits that result from the advanced CMOS sensor technology developed within Canon’s EOS range. On-chip noise reduction ensures images are clear, even at high ISO speeds, while a 4-channel read-out provides high speed image capture – ensuring fast, responsive performance in all conditions.</p>
<p>Combining the large sensor with the DIGIC 5 image processor, the HS System in the PowerShot G1 X sets new standards for low-light performance, with a maximum fullresolution ISO range of 100 to 12800 – a level never before seen in a Canon compact. Photographers can shoot using the ambient light in even the darkest of conditions, capturing natural shots with incredible detail and low noise – providing a powerful basis for low-light photography.</p>
<p><strong>Precision lens technology

</strong>Developed using the same design, manufacturing and quality processes as the world renowned EF lens range, the lens in the PowerShot G1 X is built to achieve professional levels of image quality. Utilising Ultra high refractive index Aspherical (UA) elements and precision glass moulding technology, the lens achieves both a compact size and pin-sharp clarity for the most discerning of photographers. The lens retracts compactly into the camera body while offering a flexible 4x optical zoom range of 28mm – 112mm, giving photographers the option to use the zoom creatively and change the framing and perspective of their shot. A 6 blade aperture also combines with the largesized sensor to produce beautiful background blur.</p>
<p>To help ensure optimum image and Full HD movie clarity, the lens features a 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS), allowing photographers to shoot in darker conditions and use shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would be possible without IS. The optical Image Stabilizer is supported by Intelligent IS which analyses the focal length, focal distance and type of camera movement and applies the most appropriate Image Stabilizer mode1. For example, when a panning motion is detected, Panning IS is activated and stabilises in only one direction for more artistic capture of movement across the frame. Hybrid IS technology is also included to capture macro subjects without the blur associated with shift camera shake.</p>
<p>The lens also includes an in-built 3-stop Neutral Density (ND) Filter, permitting the use of wider apertures in bright light to achieve a shallower depth of field, or to use slower shutter speeds to intentionally blur motion.</p>
<p><strong>Extensive control

</strong>Following on from the control historically offered by the PowerShot G-series, the PowerShot G1 X offers Full Manual Control with shooting mode and exposure compensation dials for quick and intuitive access to a range of settings. For maximum control over the final image, the PowerShot G1 X fits seamlessly into the EOS photographer’s workflow, supporting 14-bit RAW capture for smooth gradations and natural colours which can be fine-tuned using the supplied Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software.</p>
<p>Giving photographers the option to capture split-second action, the PowerShot G1 X features High-speed Burst HQ, capturing bursts of six full-resolution shots at 4.5fps to freeze fast-moving action. Alternatively, users can shoot continuously at 1.9fps right up to card capacity in JPEG format – ensuring longer sequences of action are captured.</p>
<p><strong>High quality, Full HD movies

</strong>The PowerShot G1 X supports Full HD (1080p) movie capture instantly at 24fps, via a dedicated movie button. Taking advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor, users can experience high quality movies, even in low light conditions, with the shallow depth of field associated with a larger sensor. Additionally, the 4x optical zoom can be used whilst filming, offering versatility, while stereo sound is also captured.</p>
<p><strong>Professional handling

</strong>With its robust, stainless steel chassis and compact design, the PowerShot G1 X offers professional-quality handling. A large vari-angle, 7.5cm (3.0″) PureColor II VA LCD screen allows photographers to shoot from virtually any angle or position, to get the composition they desire. The bright, high-resolution, 920k dot LCD provides a sharp, detailed platform for image framing and review, while an optical viewfinder (OVF) with dioptre adjuster gives photographers the option to shoot according to their individual style. A newly-integrated manual pop-up flash provides the option to add additional light to a scene, and, using the hotshoe, external Canon Speedlite flashes can also be used.</p>
<p><strong>Advanced shooting modes

</strong>A range of advanced shooting modes are provided to assist photographers in capturing challenging scenes and situations. When shooting in very dark conditions without a tripod for example, Handheld Night Scene captures a high-speed sequence of shots, combining the data to produce one well-exposed image with minimal blur.</p>
<p>Additionally, High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode captures scenes with a particularly high range of bright and dark tones, taking multiple exposures and combining them to deliver rich detail in shadows and highlights.</p>
<p><strong>Expanded potential through accessories

</strong>Ideal for EOS DSLR users, the PowerShot G1 X is compatible with a range of EOS System accessories, allowing photographers to instantly expand the potential of the camera. Canon’s EX Speedlite flash units can be used for creative lighting, while the WP-DC44 waterproof case provides protection to a depth of 40m – ideal for shooting in the heavy rain or taking shots underwater – with full access to all controls.</p>
<p>An optional lens Filter Adapter, FA-DC58C, also enables photographers to use a range of filters, such as a circular polariser to enhance blue skies or remove reflections. For more even lighting when shooting macro subjects, a Macro Ring Lite adapter (MLA-DC1) allows Canon’s Macro Ring Lite or Twin Lite flash units from the EOS System to be used.</p>
<p>Offering truly advanced levels of professional control alongside unprecedented image quality, the PowerShot G1 X is the ideal camera for professional and serious photographers who demand DSLR flexibility and quality from a compact camera.</p>
<p><strong>PowerShot G1 X – key features:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Large 14.3 MP CMOS, DIGIC 5, HS System</li>
<li>Compact 4x zoom; Intelligent IS</li>
<li>7.5 cm (3.0″) vari-angle LCD; OVF</li>
<li>Full Manual, RAW, DPP</li>
<li>Full HD, HDMI</li>
<li>High-speed Burst HQ</li>
<li>Smart Auto</li>
<li>Extensive accessories</li>
<li>HDR mode and ND filter</li>
<li>Optional 40m waterproof case</li>
</ul>
 

jhpeterson

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Feb 7, 2011
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This is truly great news for those of us who have deferred buying a point-and-shoot until Canon made one that would produce results that we could be proud of. The much larger sensor is a major step in this direction, I just wish it would have been in the 3:2 or even 16:9 format.
I didn't read anything about the what is lens on this camera. What would get me most interested in buying one (or more) of these is if it were of sufficiently large-aperture, perhaps f:2 or at least 2.8 at all ALL focal lengths (especially at the long end where it is most needed). It would nice to see the G1X utilize the creative advantages (depth-of-field control, bokeh... ), that until now have remained almost solely in the province of the DSLR.
 
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jhpeterson said:
I didn't read anything about the what is lens on this camera. What would get me most interested in buying one (or more) of these is if it were of sufficiently large-aperture, perhaps f:2 or at least 2.8 at all ALL focal lengths (especially at the long end where it is most needed). It would nice to see the G1X utilize the creative advantages (depth-of-field control, bokeh... ), that until now have remained almost solely in the province of the DSLR.
If can read it correctly on the picture of the G1X, it is 15.1-60.4mm f2.8-5.8. You can see it on the frontside of the lens.
 
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Jul 21, 2010
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Extensive accessories

But apparently no wide or tele adapters. One 'accessory' they provide for free is the 'cap keeper'. The G1X has an actual lens cap - no auto-retracting cover. Canon helpfully includes an attachment string, so the cap can dangle around while you shoot (hmmm, what's that loud click-click-click on that video I just shot?).

Despite having a physical cap, there are no filter threads on the lens. You can buy an optional adapter to hold a filter (58mm), or a lens hood. Note - that's OR - you can't use both a filter and a hood together.
 
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Mar 25, 2011
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I don't believe in wide or telephoto add-on lenses for point and shoots. I've a bunch of them that came with used cameras just piled in a box.

IMHO, Those plastic gears on the P&S are far too easy to damage. However, a polarizing filter would be nice, I've a wide range of B&H circular polarizing filters. I'll have to look into the adapter.
 
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Aug 11, 2010
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I don't mourn the loss of extenders either. the ones I've used in the past severely degraded image quality, and were heavy as bricks. the whole point of the G1X is a convenient DSLR-substitute for casual walkaround and social photography. it's not there to go birding with.

that being said, filter capability would be nice.

really excited for this camera, this is exactly what I've held off on buying another G-cam waiting for. my G9 will finally go to my dad and I'll be carrying this around for all the times I don't want to lug the 5DII out.

also happy to see that all of us doubters (me included) who were wary of getting a weeny Nikon-esque sensor were proved wrong.
 
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I'm actually really excited about this camera. I'm not sure if i'm really in the market for a point and shoot that is this expensive, but i'm really happy about sensor sizes getting bigger on smaller cameras. i can't wait until the day when there are full frame cameras in the 5DII price range(or less!) but in a M43 or M9 size(hopefully with smaller lens systems.
I'm really happy about Canon's trend larger sensors in smaller cameras as shown by the G1X and the comments from the Canon Mirrorless rumor(article)from today.
 
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trulandphoto

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neuroanatomist said:
Extensive accessories

But apparently no wide or tele adapters. One 'accessory' they provide for free is the 'cap keeper'. The G1X has an actual lens cap - no auto-retracting cover. Canon helpfully includes an attachment string, so the cap can dangle around while you shoot (hmmm, what's that loud click-click-click on that video I just shot?).

Despite having a physical cap, there are no filter threads on the lens. You can buy an optional adapter to hold a filter (58mm), or a lens hood. Note - that's OR - you can't use both a filter and a hood together.

Right. I have an old G6 laying around which had a cap like that which was friction fit. It constantly fell off, but that was good when you forget to remove it before you turned the camera on. Hopefully the adapter will work for all focal lengths not like that for my G11.

Looks like an awesome camera and I'm sure I'll end up with one at some point, but it's still kind of a toy, in my mind. I mean, if I really want photographs shouldn't I be lugging my 5D's?
 
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trulandphoto

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shaike49 said:
This looks like what i have been waiting from canon and its powershot series. Although i would have preferred an f2.0 instead of f.28 but i'm guessing the large sensor and new processor would somehow make up for it. Next question is how much bigger is it to the G12.

DPReview has a nice preview with photographs of both side by side.
 
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Picsfor

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Hold on, am i reading this right?

Every one happy with a Canon release?
No dissenting warriors? No one gonna jump ship because Fuji and Sony are doing it better?
No parts missed, no massive features missed that makes you wonder what Canon have being all this time?

I was tempted to get one originally, but now i'm not so sure.
All those happy people can only mean it's flawed in some way yet to be discovered! 8)
 
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kapanak

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Can we proceed to laugh a little bit at everyone that thought Canon would fit a 2/3" (somehow magically called 1/1.5") inside $800 compact? :D

Is it confirmed whether the sensor is in fact APS-C or some new form?

EDIT: After looking it up, it seems to be a 4:3, 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm) sensor. Well done Canon.
Still would have been nice to have a 25-100mm equivalent lens, eh? Perhaps with a f/2.0-4.5? :)

I made the jump to NEX-5N for a second camera weeks ago, and I am not complaining.
However, I am certain many will love this new G-series ... looking forward to see the quality of photographs it will take.

EDIT2: Engadget has a good set of photos from the actual thing. Also has comparison shots in terms of size with the ... I believe NEX-3 or C3. http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/canon-powershot-g1-x/

Two questions remain for me: Will it have a built-in lens cover, and how long will the battery last on a full charge?
 
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shaike49

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kapanak said:
Can we proceed to laugh a little bit at everyone that thought Canon would fit a 2/3" (somehow magically called 1/1.5") inside $800 compact?

Is it confirmed whether the sensor is in fact APS-C or some new form?

Its not quite the same size as APS-C but almost there. Its 6 times larger than that of the G12. For sensor comparison see link http://www.petapixel.com/2012/01/09/canon-unveils-the-g1x-a-large-sensor-compact-answer-to-the-mirrorless-craze/
 
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